urban legend

USAGE SUMMARY

"urban legend" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a story, usually involving supernatural or uncanny events, which has been told and retold so many times that it is accepted as generally true, even though there is no real proof or evidence of its truth. For example, "The urban legend about the headless horseman who rides through the town on dark nights has been around for decades."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Urban legend?

The New Yorker

It's urban legend".

The New York Times - Health

That urban legend about L.S.U.

The New York Times - Sports

It's become urban legend".

The New York Times

Urban legend really".

The Guardian - Sport

Not an urban legend.

The Guardian - Music

"Me, an urban legend?" he said.

The New York Times

What is an urban legend?

The New York Times

"Urban legend," said Mac Maharaj, the presidential spokesman.

The New York Times

A one-day urban legend was born.

The New York Times

This is the landscape of urban legend.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about an "urban legend", clearly state that it is unverified or untrue to avoid misleading your audience.

Common error

Avoid assuming an "urban legend" is true simply because it's widely known; always verify the facts before repeating the story.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "urban legend" primarily functions as a noun, specifically a common noun, and it often acts as a subject complement or direct object in a sentence. Ludwig confirms its correct usage as a description for untrue stories.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

91%

Wiki

3%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "urban legend" is a common noun phrase used to describe a widely circulated, often sensational, but ultimately untrue story. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and provides numerous examples from authoritative sources, primarily in the News & Media category. While appropriate for formal writing, it is most frequently used in neutral contexts to express skepticism about a story's truthfulness. Alternatives include "urban myth" and "apocryphal story". When using the phrase, it's important to clearly indicate that the story is unverified.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

urban myth

Synonymous and often used interchangeably, this term emphasizes the mythical or fictional nature of the story.

apocryphal story

Highlights the doubtful authenticity and questionable origin of the narrative.

false rumor

Focuses on the inaccurate and unverified nature of the circulating information.

popular misconception

Emphasizes that the belief is widely held but incorrect.

old wives' tale

Suggests a traditional, often superstitious, belief passed down through generations.

dubious claim

Highlights the questionable validity and lack of supporting evidence.

unsubstantiated story

Focuses on the absence of concrete proof or verification.

fabricated account

Implies that the story was intentionally created or invented.

tall tale

Refers to an exaggerated or embellished story, often for entertainment.

cock and bull story

Indicates a nonsensical and unbelievable story meant to deceive.

FAQs

How do I use "urban legend" in a sentence?

You can use "urban legend" to describe a widely circulated but untrue story, such as, "The claim that alligators live in the sewers is a classic "urban legend"".

What's the difference between an "urban legend" and a myth?

While both are untrue stories, an "urban legend" typically occurs in recent history and involves plausible events, whereas a myth often features gods, supernatural beings, and ancient settings.

What can I say instead of "urban legend"?

You can use alternatives like "urban myth", "apocryphal story", or "false rumor", depending on the specific context you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "urban legend" in formal writing?

Yes, "urban legend" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when discussing folklore, sociology, or media studies. However, ensure the context aligns with its meaning of an unverified, circulating story.